Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs Recipe

An easy Oven Baked Greek Chicken recipe with a creamy lemon garlic marinade that is perfect for a fresh weeknight dinner!

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This is such a great flavorful chicken recipe for the family! I use chicken thighs for the meat, but you can swap thighs for chicken breasts (or even drumsticks) if that is what you love. The creamy lemon marinade is best when it coats the chicken completely, so I recommend really tossing them well before baking.

This is one of our personal favorites for a bright, Mediterranean-style night at home. It makes a hearty family meal, but can easily be halved if needed. This juicy dish comes together with very little effort, too! I like to keep the skin on for crispy edges, but you can remove it if you like. 🙂

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek inspired chicken brings big flavor using easy steps and familiar ingredients. Every bite feels fresh and satisfying.

Bright lemon taste: Lemon zest and juice keep the chicken lively and fresh.

Juicy texture: Greek yogurt helps lock in moisture while baking.

Simple prep: A quick marinade does most of the work.

Oven friendly: Hands off cooking once it goes in the oven.

Weeknight ready: Easy enough for busy evenings.

Meal prep win: Leftovers stay flavorful for days.

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Ingredients

For the Greek Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley
• Extra lemon wedges

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly while keeping it juicy. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, olive oil, and Greek yogurt. Stir until smooth and well mixed. The marinade should look creamy with visible herbs throughout.

3. Coat the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until each piece is fully coated. Use your hands or a spoon to make sure the marinade covers every surface. Let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes if time allows.

4. Arrange for Baking

Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spoon any extra marinade over the top so nothing goes to waste. Spread the pieces out so they bake evenly.

5. Bake the Chicken

Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The chicken should cook through and turn lightly golden on top. Halfway through, you can spoon the pan juices over the chicken for extra moisture.

6. Rest and Finish

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Add fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving for a fresh finish.

Tips and Variations

• Extra color: Broil for a few minutes at the end for more browning.
• Stronger garlic flavor: Add an extra clove or two to the marinade.
• Herb swap: Use oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a classic Greek touch.
• Dairy free option: Replace yogurt with extra olive oil and lemon.
• Make ahead: Marinate the chicken earlier in the day and bake later.

Serving Suggestions

Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs pair well with simple sides that balance the lemony flavor. Serve them with rice, roasted potatoes, or warm pita bread. A cucumber tomato salad or tzatziki on the side adds a cool contrast to the warm chicken.

When I serve this for family dinners, I place everything on the table and let everyone build their plate. The fresh flavors work well with almost anything nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone in chicken?

Yes, just increase the cooking time slightly.

Is this recipe tangy?

The lemon stands out but stays balanced by the yogurt.

How long do leftovers last?

Store them in the fridge for up to three days.

Can I reheat this dish?

Yes, warm it gently in the oven or skillet.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, freeze once cooled and thaw before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs feel fresh, comforting, and reliable all at once. The lemon, garlic, and herbs work together to create a dish that tastes light yet satisfying.

I love how flexible this recipe feels. It works for quick dinners, meal prep, and relaxed gatherings without adding stress or extra steps.